Tips On How To Become A Paralegal In California

A busy attorney does not always have access to a group of law students, when he or she needs help with library research or some other minor task, one that relates to a legal issue. When faced with an absence of such youthful eagerness to do perform the simplest of chores, such attorneys often look to the men and women who have been certified as paralegals. On the west coast, many of those who which to join the ranks of those legal assistants must learn how to become a paralegal in California.

While all fifty states require someone with a law degree to take an exam, before charging clients, only California has laid down regulations regarding the certification of paralegals. Those who obtain such a certification can pursue several different routes. Such an adult can work for a small law firm or a large corporate office. Alternately, he or she can set up an office and charge clients for the provided paralegal services.

Those young adults who dream about joining the ranks of the paralegals should take the time to become familiar with legal terms. An understanding of such terminology will prove useful during performance of the first formal step, of those that must be completed by the man or woman who has chosen to become a legal assistant. That first step involves attendance at a two to four year college. It ensures the securing of an Associate’s or a Bachelor’s degree.

Only after graduating from that institution, can a degree-holding male or female hope to become a paralegal. There are several ways by which a college graduate can acquired the necessary certification. By passing one test, he or she can be certified as a legal assistant.
By passing a different test, he or she can acquire the designation of Registered Paralegal.

Both tests have been designed to test the knowledge of aspiring paralegals. The former test is administered by the National Association of Legal Assistants. The latter is administered by the National Federation of Paralegal Associations.

There is a third option opened to those who encounter some obstacle, while trying to pass either of the above-named tests. It requires completion of the courses offered in an online program. Graduates of that program must then pass a four hour exam.

Still, acquisition of a certification does not mean that the certified man or woman can get paid for doing a paralegal’s work for many years to come. If he or she wants to retain that certification, then that same individual must satisfy the continuing education requirements. Failure to satisfy those requirements soon puts an end to the wonderful career, one that can be enjoyed by those men and women who have learned how to become a paralegal in California.